Page 10 of A Very Cheeky Christmas

“Minimal,” Shayla says. “If any at all.”

“Good,” I say.

“First though, the tetanus shot,” Shayla says. “Let me go grab my bag.”

“So how do y’all know each other?” Andrew asks.

“Medical school.”

Andrew’s eyebrows shoot up. “You’re a doctor? Not just a medic?”

“I haven’t finished med school.”

“Why not?”

“Things got complicated.” Normally, I don’t talk much about med school, but something about Andrew makes him easy to talk to, so I find myself telling him the truth. “My grandfather was bankrolling school for me. One night last year, I said something he didn’t like and he cut me off.”

I shrug, trying to act like it doesn’t bother me that my closest family member is a manipulative, controlling asshole.

Andrew winces. “That’s rough. You couldn’t do loans?”

“I could. Sometimes I wonder if I’m being silly not doing that. I think I just want to do it on my own terms.”

Andrew nods. “That makes sense.”

A moment later, Shayla comes back in with her supplies, and I excuse myself so she can clean the wound better.

I stay out in the kitchen while she works. Making a pot of coffee, for no reason other than I want to stay busy. I’m not used to days off or afternoon naps, and having both at once has me disconcerted.

It’s not long before she comes out, pulling off the latex gloves as she walks. “You probably could’ve handled that one yourself, Maxine.”

“Probably. But since he needed a tetanus shot anyway, I figured I’d leave it to the experts.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining.” She turns around to give Andrew an exaggerated wink and blow him a kiss.

He flashes her a flirty smile and drawls, “Thanks for stitching me up, Doc.”

Before I can say anything, he slings an arm over my shoulder and tucks me to his side.

Shayla all but cackles with delight as she eyes the pair of us. “Well then. I’ll be getting out of your hair and leave you two to it.”

“It’s not what you think.” I slide out from under his arm and make to walk for the door. “I’ll be getting out of your hair also.”

“Oh, no you can’t do that.” Shayla smiles mischievously. “He definitely needs to be observed for at least twenty-four hours.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Andrew and I answer at the same time.

Shayla‘s grin brightens. “Yes, but I’m the doctor. So I think it’s my opinion we’ll be taking. You need to make him feel as comfortable as possible.”

I roll my eyes.

She links her arm through mine and walks with me toward the door, lowering her voice. “That man is delicious.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” I grumble.